Antenna Genius 8×2 – Intelligent High-Power SO2R Antenna Switch
The Antenna Genius 8×2 is a high-performance, SO2R-capable network-controlled antenna switch
for advanced HF/6 m amateur radio stations. It provides eight antenna ports that can be routed
independently to two separate transceiver or amplifier paths, enabling fast, reliable antenna
switching for high-performance contest and DX operations. Designed for complex multi-antenna installations and
fully remote-operated stations, the Antenna Genius 8×2 supports up to 3 kW PEP and integrates
deeply with other 4O3A and FlexRadio ecosystem components.
With dual RF paths, Ethernet-based control, automatic band tracking, and seamless SmartSDR integration, the
Antenna Genius 8×2 delivers intelligent routing of multiple antennas to two radios, making it ideal for SO2R,
multi-band contesting, and any station requiring fast, coordinated antenna management.
Key Features
- Eight antennas, two RF chains: route any of eight HF/6 m antennas independently to two radios or amplifier inputs.
- SO2R optimized: perfect for serious contesting, multi-band operation, and high-efficiency station layouts using two radios or two exciter paths.
- High-power handling: designed for operation up to 3 kW PEP (mode-dependent), suitable for modern high-power amplifiers.
- LAN-based intelligent control: full Ethernet management for fast switching, status monitoring, and synchronized band selection.
- Automatic band selection: tracks frequency data via LAN, CAT, CI-V, BCD, or RF sensing depending on station configuration.
- SmartSDR ecosystem integration: seamless coordination with FlexRadio transceivers for automated antenna routing and display of status via SmartSDR clients.
- Station-wide coordination: integrates with Power Genius XL and Tuner Genius XL for unified band-management across amplifiers, tuners, and antenna switching.
- High-isolation RF switching: premium RF relays and optimized RF paths ensure low insertion loss and excellent isolation between all ports.
- Full remote capability: supports LAN/WAN operation using network utilities and remote-control software, ideal for unattended or geographically remote stations.
- Fail-safe operating modes: configurable port priorities and default-path behavior ensure predictable routing in case of power or network interruption.
- Firmware upgradable: Windows utility provides configuration, monitoring, and simple firmware updates for continuous feature improvements.
Use Cases
- SO2R contesting with two radios sharing up to eight antennas for maximum rate and flexibility.
- Multi-antenna DX stations that require fast switching between beams, verticals, receive arrays, and low-band antennas.
- Remote-controlled superstations needing reliable, IP-based high-power antenna routing.
- FlexRadio-based stations integrating antennas, amplifiers, and tuners into one coordinated SmartSDR-driven system.
Quality, Engineering and Reliability
The Antenna Genius 8×2 is engineered by the 4O3A design team, known for developing contest-grade,
high-reliability RF systems. Its heavy-duty RF relays, shielded metal chassis, and carefully controlled RF geometry
ensure low-loss performance and excellent port isolation across all HF and 6 m bands.
Each unit undergoes rigorous testing, including high-power RF cycling, relay endurance, and thermal verification.
Designed for long-term reliability, the Antenna Genius 8×2 provides dependable switching and station automation even
under continuous contest conditions or year-round remote operation.
In the box
- Antenna Genius 8×2 SO2R antenna switch unit
- AC or DC power supply cable (depending on model)
- Quick-start guide / user documentation
- Warranty and registration information
- Safety and compliance documentation
Refer to the Antenna Genius operator manual for installation guidance, recommended cabling, and integration details
for Power Genius XL, Tuner Genius XL, and FlexRadio transceivers.